The public inquiry concerning the new Provence-Côte d'Azur line will be launched in January

The public inquiry into the first two phases of the future rail link between Marseille and Nice, prior to their declaration of public utility, will be open from January 17 to February 28, said Matignon on Tuesday December 28.

The first phase of the New Provence Côte d'Azur Line (LNPCA) includes the construction of a station near Nice airport, the opening of a Toulon RER and improvements in Marseille, which must be started. from 2023 for commissioning by 2030.

The second phase concerns improvements between Cannes and Nice and the boring of a tunnel under Marseille, the opening of which is planned "by 2035", said Matignon in a press release.

The financing of these two phases, estimated at 3,5 billion euros, was the subject of an agreement in April between the government and local communities of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur: 40% of the sum must be provided by the State and 40% by the communities, the remaining 20% to be requested from Europe.

A local public establishment called "Société de la Ligne nouvelle Provence Côte d'Azur" will be created at the request of local authorities in order to collect local taxes dedicated to the financing of the project. An ordinance to this effect is currently being examined by the Council of State and should be published in the spring, said Matignon.

"Secondly, the LNPCA line aims to develop new rail infrastructures to improve links within the PACA region and contribute to the construction of a Mediterranean rail arc and regional territorial cohesion", underlined the services of the Premier Minister.

A subsequent phase 3 foresees the construction of a new line between Nice and Cannes, while a phase 4 envisages sections between Aubagne (Bouches-du-Rhône) and Toulon and between Cannes and Le Muy (Var). No deadline has yet been put forward for their completion.